AOM Statement on Academic Freedom, Scientific Inquiry, and Scholarly Exchange

Open Letter to Academy of Management Members

The Academy of Management affirms its unwavering commitment to academic freedom, scientific inquiry, and the open exchange of ideas. We unequivocally condemn any action threatening these values as they are foundational to our mission and essential to the advancement of global scholarship in management and organizations.

Recent policy developments in the United States and in various parts of the world, including executive orders, legislative restrictions, and institutional constraints, have fomented a growing climate of uncertainty and concern for many of our members. Although these actions differ in form and scope, they share a common consequence: the restriction of academic freedom, which in turn jeopardizes scholars' abilities to conduct research, teach, and collaborate across borders and disciplines.

Academic freedom is the right to explore, question, and critique knowledge and ideas without fear of retaliation or censorship. This freedom must extend across the full spectrum of inquiry, including but not limited to research supportive or critical of such issues as diversity, equity, and inclusion, sustainability, and other social issues confronting the world today.

It also protects those who examine these topics from a variety of theoretical, methodological, or critical perspectives. The Academy stands committed to the process of scholarly inquiry, which is grounded in evidence, shaped by peer review, and strengthened by open, respectful dialogue.

Academic freedom enables scholars to ask difficult questions, follow evidence wherever it leads, and contribute to the collective advancement of knowledge. It fosters engagement around complex problems and ideas from multiple viewpoints, strengthening and upholding the integrity of science in our field.

In addition to academic freedom, the Academy is increasingly concerned about broader systemic challenges to scientific inquiry and scholarly exchange. These include the loss of research funding, diminished institutional support, disrupted academic programs, and growing restrictions on travel that limit international collaboration and participation in the global academic community. When policies affect how research is funded, framed, or disseminated, they narrow the scope of inquiry and reduce access to the collaborative platforms and networks that sustain scientific progress.

Such conditions weaken the open exchange of ideas, hinder participation in scholarly forums, and limit opportunities for meaningful engagement across institutions, disciplines, and borders. When researchers are constrained in their ability to contribute to key conversations, publish findings and disseminate new knowledge, or connect with peers internationally, the capacity of the field to reflect diverse perspectives and respond to complex challenges is significantly eroded.

The Academy of Management supports the protection of academic freedom and maintaining the infrastructure that encourages scientific collaboration, ensuring equitable access to research resources, and fostering environments where open inquiry and constructive dialogue from all sides of an issue are actively encouraged.

As a global scholarly association, the Academy of Management stands committed to cultivating inclusive, rigorous, and open spaces for research and learning. We will continue to support our members and uphold the values that allow our field to grow, evolve, and contribute meaningfully to science, education, and society.

In support of these aims, these resources have been assembled for members.

Thank you.

Peter Bamberger
President, Academy of Management
president@aom.org

The views represented here are those of the Academy of Management as a professional association and may not reflect those of individual members or their employers.